Back Issue Content: 2015

ISSUES:

2015

More than thirty years after hosting its first fishermen, Kiritimati is hotter than ever.

I heard them before I saw them. When giant trevally are chasing bait in shallow water, the frantic reaction produces a distinct spraying sound, like the inside of your vehicle as you pass through the power-rinse of a car wash. The frenzied commotion is caused by thousands of sardines or anchovies or whatever are being chased, all leaving and re-entering the water in a desperate attempt to avoid being plundered by the most savage fish on the flats. If you’re lucky enough to actually be in the water as it’s happening, then you become just another part of this bizarre predatory vortex—you, chasing the fish that are chasing the fish that are falling back in the water like rain.

When the other drum come calling

AWHILE BACK, I had a brief visit with a sporadically retired commercial netter at the gas dock in Port Aransas, Texas. He had an unlit cigarette stuck to his bottom lip and his skin had the same color and texture as a relief map of Utah.

He looked down at the pair of puppy drum bobbing in my livewell and asked what I got them on.

Life in the express lane

“Everybody’s got a plan until I hit ’em in the mouth.” — Mike Tyson

“THIS IS GONNA HAPPEN FAST, OKAY?” I say to my angler, whose lips have curled into a half-smile. “The line is gonna burn your hand if you do it right.” He continues to search my face as I explain the violent hook-set, looking at me as if he’s just been made accessory to a crime. I rock back against the poling platform and drain my coffee, sweat already tacking my shirt to my back.

Fly balls and flyfishing in Florida

LEAVE THE PASSPORT IN THE DRAWER, grab your rod, and head to sunny Florida for your springtime twofer. The combination of cozy Grapefruit League ballparks and hordes of saltwater game fish will cure your wintertime blues. First pitch for most games is on March 1, with the season going through April 4. Here’s your scouting report.